After releasing the iPhone X earlier this month, technology conglomerate Apple has become aware of apparent issues with the device’s usability. The company hopes this particular flaw will be rectified with a future software update. Users of the innovative cellular device have taken to the internet, where they’ve voiced their concerns and frustrations about the iPhone X screen becoming unresponsive when they attempt to use the device in colder outside temperatures.
Upon returning to warmer indoor temperatures however, the iPhone X resumes normal operations. Considering how temperatures in seasonal regions across the country have been anywhere from the teens to 30s, going from indoor environments (which have average temperatures between 65-75˚ F) can cause temperate fluctuations that exceed 60-65˚. Upon returning inside, the smartphone continues operating normally.
It’s worth noting not all iPhone X users have encountered this issue, however several online outlets (like Reddit) are filled with posters, claiming they can recreate the issue when venturing into frigid temperate conditions. Fortunately, Apple has publically stated its awareness of how the iPhone X becomes what the company describes as “temporarily unresponsive to touch after rapid changes to cold environments.” Apple hasn’t mentioned the exact number of iPhone X users affected by this shortcoming in the device’s design, however the company did point out the smartphone screens resume normal operations after only a few moments in these scenarios.
It’s not entirely clear why the iPhone X is and isn’t functioning properly when it’s brought into colder outside temperatures after being in warmer indoor conditions. Some of the smartphone’s recent users speculated that only certain models are susceptible to the software flaw. Speculation has run rampant, especially since Apple hasn’t determined (or publically released) the issue’s root cause.
According to Apple’s support page for the iPhone X, the company recommends using the smartphone in a temperature range between 32-95˚ F. The support page also points out how using the device in temperatures outside that range could prompt changes in the smartphone’s behavior and performance as the smartphone regulates its internal temperature. The page further mentions how the iPhone X’s problems may stretch beyond the screen’s functionality, and could even turn the entire phone on or off.
In addition, Apple’s support page mentioned how the low temperatures could prompt “temporary” shorter battery life, which will return to normal upon bringing the device back to warmer more hospitable temperatures. The software update to fix the iPhone X’s issues when reacting to temperature fluctuations doesn’t have a release date, however it’s very possible an announcement could be made before the end of 2017.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)
